Talking to Teenagers About Their Mental Health
Openings that work, and the ones that reliably close a conversation.
Dr. Henry Ukpeh
Pediatrician · Child Health Advocate
Published June 18, 2026 · Last medically reviewed August 1, 2026 · 8 min read
Teenagers rarely answer direct questions about feelings. They answer indirect ones, sideways, usually in a car.
Sit beside, not opposite
Conversations that happen shoulder to shoulder - driving, walking, washing up - carry far less pressure than conversations across a table. Use them.
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